Freedom Focus Photography

273 - Are you ready to supercharge your photography business? This week, I’m chatting with Tanya Smith, a portrait photographer and educator who went from struggling with $600 shoots to building a system that generated almost $400K in just one year. We’re breaking down the most effective marketing strategies—think partnerships, in-person connections, and consistent follow-ups—that photographers can start using today. If you’re tired of the feast-or-famine cycle, this episode is a must-listen!What to Listen ForHow Tanya went from $600/session to a $400K/year photography businessThe importance of in-person marketing in a digital worldWhy Instagram should only be the “icing” on your marketing cakeTanya’s proven strategy for creating profitable partnerships with local businessesHow to build long-lasting relationships with clients and community partnersThe mindset shift you need to make to approach marketing with confidenceTanya’s advice for structuring your week to prioritize marketing and avoid burnoutWhy follow-up is the most overlooked (and valuable) part of your marketingThis episode with Tanya Smith was packed with actionable marketing strategies to help you build a thriving photography business. From creating meaningful partnerships to mastering the art of follow-up, Tanya’s advice will inspire you to take control of your client pipeline. Remember: marketing is the key to consistency, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming!If you loved today’s episode, make sure to check out Tanya’s Mastery Summit for Portrait Photographers happening on January 21, 2025. You can grab your free ticket at the link below. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast, share it with a friend, and let us know your biggest takeaway.Important LinksSign up for Tanya’s Mastery Summit (FREE) - www.profitableportraits.com/summitFree Marketing Ideas for portrait photographers: https://www.profitableportraits.com/marketTanya's Education Website: https://www.profitableportraits.comTanya's Store for Photographers: https://whoabella.caMaster the craft of pet photography at the Hair of the Dog Academy - www.hairofthedogacademy.comStop competing on price and sell confidently with Freedom Focus Formula - www.freedomfocusformula.comCrack the code to booking more clients inside Elevate - www.freedomfocusformula.com/elevateLearn commercial pet photography at the Commercial Pet Photography Academy - www.hairofthedogacademy.com/commercialAre you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!JOIN THE PARTY: Connect with us on Instagram Explore valuable pet photography resources here Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers. Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that. Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

This episode originally aired on August 2024. 256 - In this episode of the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, join me as we welcome back Kerry Jordan.  She bravely opens up about a major block that’s been affecting her work for decades - a feeling of being disingenuous selling luxury artwork to private clients and being particularly uncomfortable with the sales process around upselling products after the session.  She knew that this was rooted in a belief of some kind - but after working with previous coaches, taking numerous classes, and trying what felt like everything - Heather Lahtinen gets to the heart of the issue in this 40 minute conversation. Do not miss this one.  This episode is packed with insights, breakthroughs, and actionable advice that could transform the way you approach your business.What to listen for:The Major Belief Shift: Kerry uncovered a 40-year-old belief about money and luxury that was holding her back from fully embracing her portrait photography business.The "Outsider" Syndrome: Kerry realized she felt like an outsider when dealing with wealthy private clients, a feeling rooted in her childhood experiences with money.Shifting from Discomfort to Empowerment: By acknowledging and understanding her discomfort, Kerry found a way to embrace it and transform her approach to sales.Curiosity as a Tool: Kerry's commitment to curiosity allowed her to explore the deeper reasons behind her discomfort with selling to private clients, leading to significant breakthroughs.The Importance of Alignment: The episode highlights how feeling aligned with your work can make all the difference in your business success.Resources From This Episode:Kerry's website Commercial Pet Photography AcademyElevate Coaching ProgramHair of the Dog Academy Freedom Focus FormulaAre you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!JOIN THE PARTY: Connect with us on Instagram Explore valuable pet photography resources here Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers. Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that. Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

This episode originally aired on July 2024. 250 - Welcome to the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast! In this special episode, we're kicking off a three-part series dedicated to one of the most exciting and requested topics: travel hacking. If you've ever dreamed of traveling for free or at a fraction of the cost, you're in the right place.Today, we'll explore how to leverage credit card points to maximize your travel rewards, whether you’re aiming for luxurious trips or frequent getaways on a budget. Tune in to discover the strategies that can make your travel dreams a reality, and how we have an advantage since we are running a business as well!Here's what you'll learn in this episode:Introduction to Travel Hacking: Learn what travel hacking is and how it can help you travel for free or at a significantly reduced cost.Choosing the Right Credit Cards: Tips on selecting the right credit cards based on your travel goals and spending habits.Security Benefits of Credit Cards: Why credit cards are more secure than debit cards for travel and everyday use.Annual Fees and Credit Scores: Discussion on whether annual fees are worth it and how opening new credit cards affects your credit score.Credit Card Travel Insurance: Real-life examples of how credit card travel insurance can save you money and hassle during unexpected travel issues.More episodes from this mini-series!Episode 2Episode 3Resources From This Episode:Nicole’s Travel Resources Hair of the Dog Academy Elevate Coaching ProgramFreedom Focus FormulaAre you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!JOIN THE PARTY: Connect with us on Instagram Explore valuable pet photography resources here Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers. Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that. Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.

This episode originally aired on March 2024. Welcome to another episode of the Creative Freedom Rebellion - a podcast series within the Freedom Focus Photography podcast, hosted by Nicole Begley and J. Nichole Smith, AKA Nic.  Through the past 10+ years of mentoring pet photographers, we’ve noticed that the “why” of many pet photographers falls into one of three buckets.  The love of art, the goal of lifestyle, or the love of dog. It’s important to dive into these differences because these motivations can shape not only your work but how you present it to the world.Not a pet photographer?  Don’t pass this episode over as it will still be applicable as the first two buckets will be the same, but your love of dog would simply be the love of whatever your subject of choice is.  What To Listen For:Embracing the Creative Freedom Rebellion: How to carve out a pet photography path that's uniquely yours, defying conventional expectations.”The Transformation of Pet Photography: Learn about the journey from a niche market to a competitive industry and what that means for today's photographers.Finding Your Niche Within a Niche: Discover the importance of identifying your unique angle in pet photography, whether it's the art, lifestyle, or the animals themselves.Tailored Marketing Strategies: Gain insights into effective marketing strategies that align with your specific focus in pet photography, ensuring you connect with your ideal clientele.The Joy Factor: How prioritizing happiness can revolutionize your business approach and personal fulfillment.We each created our business for different reasons, but one reason that is often universal was the goal of having more fulfillment and freedom in our lives.  To make money doing something we love.  This episode will open your eyes to the different roads that photographers choose to travel down and how when you know more about your motivation, you can make your business even more fulfilling. Want the video version? Watch here. Resources from this EpisodeCreative Freedom Rebellion Part 1Connect with NicPouka Art And PhotographyThe Artisan HoundLaura Wombwell PhotographyGreyboy Pet PrintsPawtraits by NicoleKeri Nakahashi PhotographyKristen Murray PhotographyAre you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!Are you enjoying the Freedom Focus Photography Podcast? Please leave a rating or a review!JOIN THE PARTY: Connect with us on Instagram Explore valuable pet photography resources here Discover effective pricing and sales strategies for all portrait photographers. Ready to grow your business? Elevate helps you do just that. Check out our recommended gear and favorite books.